At an event held in Mountain View, California, tech journalists are giving their attention to Google’s latest innovations in the wearables market, prominently featuring Project Moohan and the Android XR smart glasses prototypes. With AI dominating discussions throughout the keynote presentation—boasting 95 mentions—the focus has nevertheless shifted to these cutting-edge devices.
Project Moohan is Google’s venture into virtual reality, resembling a lighter and more comfortable version of Apple’s Vision Pro. Users can adjust the fit using a convenient dial, and it’s equipped with an AI assistant called Gemini. A notable feature demonstrated is the ability to access Google Maps through natural language commands, showcasing a seamless integration of functionality.
The highlight of the event is the addition of spatialized video, allowing for 3D depth in regular videos without needing special equipment. This feature enhances the visual experience, contributing to more immersive content creation.
The Android XR smart glasses prototypes were also on display, emphasizing subtlety in design with an inconspicuous camera and a translucent display showing essential information like the time and weather. Interaction with Gemini is a central aspect; users can request assistance such as identifying artwork. This prototype also allows users to take photos and view them on the display, addressing limitations seen in competitors like the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.
Despite the promising features, these prototypes are still in development, and the final consumer versions may show significant differences. Google has strategically partnered with eyewear brands such as Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, similar to Meta’s collaborations with EssilorLuxottica, indicating a competitive landscape in the smart glasses arena.
The cautious and controlled demos underscore Google’s commitment to ensuring functionality and user satisfaction, particularly given the high expectations surrounding these new technologies. As wearables and health tech progress, the potential for practical applications in everyday life is growing, suggesting a future where smart technology seamlessly integrates into our daily routines.